Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Bool Excerpts
Monday 10th March 2025

(2 days, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right, which is why we are focusing our investment on breakfast clubs, which will ensure that children get not only a good start to the day with a full belly, but the support of a club that will help them to achieve and thrive.

Sarah Bool Portrait Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)
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2. How many schools left the breakfast club early adopters scheme prior to 24 February 2025.

Bridget Phillipson Portrait The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
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Last month, Labour announced the first wave of primary schools set to offer the new free breakfast clubs. We were delighted that more than 3,000 schools applied to be early adopters, with 750 starting to deliver from the summer term, meaning that children will start the day ready to learn and parents will save up to £450. While Conservative Members cannot bring themselves to welcome the clubs, Labour is boosting parents’ work choices and children’s life chances.

Sarah Bool Portrait Sarah Bool
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Primary schools have been forced to pull out of the pilot or take a financial hit to participate in it. Does the Secretary of State really believe that the basic funding rate for breakfast is 60p?

Bridget Phillipson Portrait Bridget Phillipson
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No, I do not, because that is not actually the case. I am afraid that is not the only area where the hon. Lady is mistaken. The Conservatives should swallow their pride and welcome these breakfast clubs, which will transform the life chances of children across our country, are incredibly popular with parents, and will ensure that all our children get a brilliant start to the school day.